How they got here: Roosevelt rushed for 274 yards in a 10-7 grind-it-out victory over Central Kitsap in the quad-district playoffs to advance to state for the first time since 1984.

Player to watch: Taku Shiozaki, RB: Shiozaki rushed for 185 yards on 30 carries in last week’s win over Central Kitsap. Jackson will have to contain the 5-foot-9, 190-pound running back if it wants to advance to the state quarterfinals.

Biggest win: Roosevelt 48, Nathan Hale 28. The Roughriders opened the season with three straight wins over 3A playoff teams, including Hale. Roosevelt also beat Seattle Prep and Kennedy, which just beat Mountlake Terrace to advance to state. Hale beat Shelton last week to advance to state, making Roosevelt’s early season thrashing that much more impressive.

Key to the game: Jackson must keep Roosevelt’s rush-happy offense — the Roughriders passed the ball just five times last week — on the sidelines and take care of the football to win. Roosevelt may be the most physical team Jackson has faced this season. It’s important for Jackson to strike early to get Roosevelt on its heels.

Pick: Jackson 31, Roosevelt 18

To listen to Herald staffers and friends pick this week’s games in the State Playoff Podcast, click here.